Deuteronomy 6:6-7

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. ~ Deuteronomy 6:6-7


Saturday, February 17, 2024

The Action Bible: Faith in Action Edition

 Hello everyone,

I'm happy to share my latest review with you today, The Action Bible: Faith in Action Edition  .







Many thanks to David C. Cook for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. 



This edition of The Action Bible was a treat to receive in the mail. It arrived in a sturdy, colorful box that had eye catching illustrations on the inside of the box. As for the Bible itself, Wow! It is a very nice, sturdy, hardcover book that certainly had me wanting to pick it up and start reading.

The Faith in Action Edition is an enhanced version of the bestselling Expanded Edition. For anyone unfamiliar with it, this one presents the Bible in comic book style. Now hold up, I can hear some of you saying, no thanks, I want a traditional version. Wait a minute, please! Yes, it's in the graphic novel sort of genre. That is actually a great thing, particularly for those younger ones who may struggle with reading, for one reason or another. This edition is about helping kids Engage in God's Word, Grow in God's Word, and Live God's Word.






The illustrations are captivating, drawing the reader in. The text is true to Scripture, which of course is the most important thing. The stories are presented in a short, impactful manner, helping connect Gen Zs and Gen Alphas to God's Word.

The pages have been created with kids in mind as well, using sturdy, glossy paper, making flipping to any story a breeze. Stories are in chronological order to better help kids understand God's redemptive story.

Major themes of the Bible are highlighted throughout with icons that help kids personalize their faith and live God's Word. Themes of the Bible are based on David C. Cook's tested Bible study curriculum for kids and include: Courage, Faith, Hope, Love, Service, Trust, and Wisdom.

Spiritual Growth Resources include over 200 devotionals, prayers, character stories, teaching videos, timelines, maps, and Bible facts.

The Faith in Action Edition is the most complete interactive Bible for kids and teens. Kids and parents can access digital resources by scanning QR codes throughout the Bible. The Action Bible has helped millions of kids engage in God's Word throughout the world.


I wasn't sure about the style of this edition for about a millisecond. I think this version will be a great resource for kids, and the parents, teachers, Sunday School helpers...and on and on. Add this to your gift and giveaway list. Your kids will like it!


Buy it on Amazon  

Parents, order your copy of  The Action Bible: Faith in Action Edition  today!

GIVEAWAY!! 1 copy of The Action Bible: Faith in Action Edition will be given to a selected winner. Comment below with your FULL NAME and EMAIL ADDRESS, and tell me who you will share this copy with. 1 winner will be selected on 2/21. Good luck!


#FaithInActionBibleMIN

#MomentumInfluencerNetwork


Friday, February 2, 2024

The Chosen Season 4- Episodes 1-3

 




Many thanks to Come and See Foundation, Inc., for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.



Hey everyone,

I love reviewing various products and resources, particularly when they are faith based ones. This week, I had the very enjoyable opportunity to review the first three episodes of The Chosen Season 4   

Yes friends, the wait is over, and our favorite series is back! 

Not surprisingly, these first episodes are as engaging as the first three seasons have been. If you're familiar with the Bible, you'll already know that the account takes on an increasingly serious tone, as the time for Jesus to journey to the cross draws closer.

I know that I'm not alone in finding The Chosen a refreshing portrayal of the life of Christ. Gone are the older versions, where most of the characters are blonde or light brown in hair color, sporting British accents. The actors, the settings, the accents...all work together to offer a more realistic interpretation. of course, there is creative license throughout, seen in side stories, and imagined conversations between Jesus, and His followers. But the heart of it stays true to the Bible, which is what I. my family, and of course the countless other viewers find compelling. 

Episode 1 centers around John the Baptist, starting with his miraculous birth, his extraordinary life, culminating in his death, and the effects on the disciples, and Jesus Himself.  It is a fantastic possible look at what they all felt and experienced..

Episode 2 begins with the continued effect that John's death has had, but moves on to one of the most important questions a person can ask, "Who do you say that I (Jesus) say I am? As the disciples wrestle with this, the religious leaders are conspiring against Jesus. Time is growing short.

Episode 3 offers a look at the growing unrest in the leaders, from the Roman soldiers, up to the religious leaders. We see an urgency in Jesus' teachings as His earthly time is growing shorter. As for the way this episode ends, you won't see this coming, and it will leave you open mouthed in shock and surprise. My own response is simply, Wow.

I'd love to tell you more, but I won't. I would urge you- SEE THIS SEASON!! I pray it will draw you closer to the Lord, increase your faith, and move you to share Jesus with your friends and family. RISE UP!

Now, a few details:


Synopsis: 

Clashing kingdoms. Rival Rulers. The enemies of Jesus close in while His followers struggle to keep up, leaving Him to carry the burden alone. Threatened by the reality of Jesus' growing influence, religious leaders do the unthinkable ally with their Roman oppressors. As the seeds of betrayal are planted and opposition to Jesus' message turns violent, He's left with no alternative but demand His followers RISE UP.




Some "Fun Facts" for you:

- The first three seasons of The Chosen will soon be dubbed in 50 languages with plans to subtitle in more than 600.

- The Chosen is the first multi-season series of its kind: a groundbreaking historical drama about the life of Jesus.

- Jonathon Roumie was invited to the Vatican on two different occasions to speak to the Pope about his role as Jesus.




About The Chosen:

The Chosen is a groundbreaking historical drama based on the life of Jesus (Jonathon Roumie), seen through the eyes of those who knew Him. Set against the backdrop of Roman oppression in first-century Israel, the seven-season show shares an authentic and intimate look at Jesus' revolutionary life and teachings. Season four premieres in theaters February 1, 2024.With over 200 million viewers, The 

Chosen is one of the most watched shows in the world. The series is constantly a top performer across streaming platforms Amazon Prime, Peacock, and Netflix, plus a top-rated weekly on the CW. What started as a crowd-funded project has now garnered over 770-million-episode views and more than 12 million social media followers. The Chosen is an independent production written, directed, and produced by Dallas Jenkins and distributed by Lionsgate.


Watch the trailer:




Great news! The Chosen is releasing all of Season 4 in theaters! Enjoy a wonderful, and meaningful night out at the movies! 

Get your tickets for Season 4 at thechosenriseup.com   February 1, 2024!


#TheChosen4MIN 

#MomentumInfluencerNetwork


Giveaway!!!

$10 Amazon gift card!

NOTE: This giveaway is limited to US winners only.

Share a comment with me below about why you love The Chosen, and who you're going to see Season 4 with, along with an email where I can contact you.  I'll choose a winner on February 8, 2024. Good Luck!

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Cabrini - Angel Studios

 


Angel Studios is bringing us another great looking film!


From Alejandro Monteverde, award-winning director of 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮, comes the powerful epic of Francesca Cabrini, an Italian immigrant who arrives in New York City in 1889 and is greeted by disease, crime, and impoverished children. Cabrini sets off on a daring mission to convince the hostile mayor to secure housing and healthcare for society's most vulnerable. With broken English and poor health, Cabrini uses her entrepreneurial mind to build an empire of hope unlike anything the world had ever seen.


Cabrini will be releasing in theaters on International Women's Day, March 8th.

***Disclaimer: This film is rated PG-13 and includes some (tastefully-portrayed) mature themes.



Synopsis: 
From Alejandro Monteverde, award-winning director of 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮, comes the powerful epic of Francesca Cabrini, an Italian immigrant who arrives in New York City in 1889 and is greeted by disease, crime, and impoverished children. Cabrini sets off on a daring mission to convince the hostile mayor to secure housing and healthcare for society's most vulnerable. With broken English and poor health, Cabrini uses her entrepreneurial mind to build an empire of hope unlike anything the world had ever seen.


Based on the true story of one woman’s fight for the equality, health, and happiness of immigrant orphans.



Watch the trailer:






In a time where we are surrounded by darkness, unrest, and a seemingly endless supply of lousy entertainment choices, it's good to have something that lifts and inspires. And boy, doe we need godly, wholesome options today. Stories like this one encourage and admonish us to realign our priorities, and put our focus on the Lord. I'm really looking forward to seeing Cabrini with my family. Maybe I'll see you there too...I hope so!

#CabriniMovieMIN


Catch it in theaters on March 8th!

Thursday, January 18, 2024

The Chosen - Season 4


Hey there, fellow Chosen watchers,

It's here! Season 4 is upon us. There have been dramas, movies, clips, etc., that have portrayed the life of Christ, but my family and I really connect with The Chosen. We have eagerly waited and watched for every episode. And now, we're ready for more! What a great opportunity to share Jesus with friends and loved ones. If you're coming in to this series a bit late, that's ok too. Get a comfy place to sit, and buckle your seatbelt!


Synopsis:

 Clashing kingdoms. Rival rulers. The enemies of Jesus close in while His followers struggle to keep up, leaving him to carry the burden alone.


Threatened by the reality of Jesus’ growing influence, religious leaders do the unthinkable—ally with their Roman oppressors. As the seeds of betrayal are planted and opposition to Jesus’ message turns violent, he’s left with no alternative but demand his followers RISE UP.

Season 4 Theatrical Release Dates:
Episodes 1-3: 2/1
Episodes 4-5: 2/15
Episodes 6-7: 2/29



Check out the trailer!



Don't miss it! I know that I sure won't!

#TheChosen4MIN


- 💖 Laurie


Wednesday, December 6, 2023

The Prince of Egypt ~ The Musical

 






It's one of the most familiar, beloved, Bible stories. If you grew up attending church, it was likely that this was one of your favorites. Countless numbers of Sunday school teachers have recounted the tale on felt boards across the world. Whatever your religious affiliation, most people know the general account of Moses, and his quest to free the Jewish people from Pharoah and lead them out of Egypt. This week, I was glad for an invitation to view a screening of Prince of Egypt, the Musical, based on the biblical account.




This isn't the animated version that you may have enjoyed some years ago, but a full, live action cast. Synopsis:

"Filmed live at the West End's Dominion Theatre, London, the show features a cast and orchestra of 60 performers, making it one of the biggest musicals ever staged. The Prince of Egypt: The Musical is the must-see event for all fans of musical theatre. Based on the classic DreamWorks Animation film the classic story has beenbrough to life by Stephen Schwartz's  "miraculous music" (Time Out), including Academy Awards winning -song 'When You Believe' and Sean Cheesman's "astonishing choreography" (The Guardian). this epic, critically acclaimed production tells an inspiring tale of resilience and hope. Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as two young men, raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharoah, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever."

Watch the trailer:






The cast was amazing in all areas. This production is more than actors saying, and in this musical instance, singing lines. Prince of Egypt has plenty of complicated, fantastic, choreography, lifts, jumps, kicks, and man oh man, how those actors had the strength to hold fellow actors up in various instances for extended periods of time, I do not know.

The scenery/backgrounds are simple yet striking. The costumes of the actors often contribute to the setting, and pun intended when I say, props to the set designer!




The story was captivating from the opening scene. The casting was spot on, with each member playing their part with skill and detail. "Moses" and "Rameses" played off each other very well. As the story progresses, I was watching "Moses" and "Tzipporah", anticipating their love story. Tzipporah's father also grabbed the audience's attention with a fantastic stage presence, and quick wit. The High Priest was another amazingly well cast part of the crew. He was such a diabolical personality, with the slightest touch of humor. And his voice- what a range! 

I've always loved the soundtrack to this show, and the cast didn't let me down with their performances. 'Deliver Us'  and When You Believe still rate as favorites of mine, and have a set place in my play list.

Now, my one caution to families here...I don't think I need to say that its not a good plan to base your theology on an interpretation of a Bible story, rather than from the Bible itself. However, I'm saying it here. There are some creative liberties that have been taken throughout the production. One of the major ones is with the ending. I won't declare a spoiler alert, because the story is so well known.   In this ending, Pharoah sees the error of his ways, and he and Moses come to a kind of understanding. 

This will, no doubt put a few noses out of joint. It will also certainly provide talking points for discussions with your family, and hopefully, inspire you to read the actual account of Moses in the Old Testament.

So, I enjoyed it very much for its musical, theatrical elements. Ita was a delightfully engaging, family friendly show that can be appreciated by the whole family. It isn't 100% biblically accurate, but I think if you approach it as the fictitious interpretation that it is, you'll enjoy it as well.

Now then, how about a giveaway? Here is your opportunity to get a FREE $10 Amazon  gift card! Comment on this post for your chance to win. One winner only. Winner will be selected 12/14/2023

Good luck!


Buy or rent Prince of Egypt  on digital starting December 5th!

Buy/Rent Here  


#PrinceOfEgyptMIN  #PrinceOfEgyptMusical   #MomentumInfluencerNetwork  

***Disclosure: Many thanks to NBC Universal for providing a sample of this product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 


Thursday, December 8, 2022

CSB Lifeway Women's Bible - A Review





 Happy Holiday season! 

How is everyone faring this hectic holiday season? I would guess that most of you are in the midst of decorating, shopping, and baking. There is always plenty to occupy us during this time of year, isn't there? As I mentioned baking, I'm reminded of all of the scrumptious treats that we cook up and enjoy from November to January. My pants are feeling tighter just at the thought of it!

The holidays include a period of liberal feasting, satisfying our physical bodies.  But, as we eat our fill of treats, are we also feeding our spiritual side? Maybe you can relate to me, as I too often find myself neglecting time with God, as I become distracted with this often-chaotic time of year. If I'm not watchful, I can find that days have gone by without my having spent much meaningful time in His Word. But we need our time with the Lord desperately!

Can you identify with me on this? Happily, we don't need any fancy tools to make our quiet time happen. We need only a Bible, a pen possibly, and a willing heart. Speaking of Bibles, we spend this time of year buying up gifts for friends and family, and often, understandably, leave ourselves off of the shopping list. But I've got a great suggestion to treat yourself this Christmas, one that's the proverbial "gift that keeps on giving the whole year 'round".

I was given a FREE COPY of the   CSB Lifeway Women's Bible    in exchange for my honest review, and I'm happy to share it with you today.

I'll begin with the obvious, it's appearance. This is the Marigold LeatherTouch Christian Standard Bible®. I absolutely love that the color is called Marigold. What a lovely name! Name aside, it's a beautiful color, a rich golden yellow that will lighten your Spirit with its appearance even before you open it up. I'll be putting it in a cover eventually, but it's so pretty as it is, that I'm not doing that just now.

Of course, it's what's inside that is the most important, so let me tell you some of the details from this Bible's version.

Within the pages you'll find:

- Bible reading helps from names you'll recognize, including, Jackie Hill Perry, Jennifer Rothschild, Priscilla Shirer, Angie Smith, Lisa Harper, Lauren Chandler, Gloria Furman, Mary Kassian, Kelly King, Trillia Newbell, Kelly Minter, and more. 
- Over 100 articles relating to various Biblical texts
- Close to 100 short devotionals
- Bible genre introductions with overviews, and reading plans
- 66 Book focused introductions with concise overviews, and book related timelines
- Over 40 character profiles of key women in the Bible with questions for application
- More than 35 reflection questions to help women engage more deeply with the Bible
- Nearly 100 brief inspirational quotes on the Bible
- Over 25 word studies on individual words or phrases detailing meaning and significance, and over 30 charts, tables, and map

 

- Features the highly readable, reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible®  (CSB)






How does that sound? Good? Yes, it sure is! I'm really loving this Bible. Aside from the fact that it's the Word of God, which to believers in Christ, is a very precious thing, it's aesthetically pleasing. Did I mention that the color is magnificent?  I've always liked the color yellow, but some hues are harsh and uncomfortable for the eye. This color, Marigold, I say it again because I adore the name of the shade, is a beautiful golden yellow. There are also 2 ribbon bookmarks, for marking your current readings.

I love all of the devotions and articles. It's amazing that God provides just the word I need at just the right time. The overviews, introductions, and reading plans inspire me to dig deeper and reflect on a given passage of text. At 9.5" by 7", it's a fantastic size. It's small enough not to be cumbersome to carry, while being large enough to easily read with my ever-aging eyes. 

If you're all set with your personal Bible already, why not consider picking up a copy of this one for a Christmas gift for a friend or loved one? It's a great time to purchase because right now, you can get 50% off 1 Lifeway Women's Bible with code SAVE50LWB  .  Only available at Lifeway.com  Limit 1 Bible at 50% off retail price, any Lifeway Women's Bible sku. Limit one offer per person. Cannot be stacked with any other offer. Valid 11/15/22-12/31/22


Now, for the best part. It's giveaway time! Comment below on who you would gift this to, for a chance to receive a  FREE copy of the CSB Lifeway Women's Bible, Marigold LeatherTouch edition!

*Giveaway ends 12-15-22*

For US residents only.

Good luck!


Disclosure: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.



#CSBWomensBibleMIN

#LifewayWomensBible

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Monday, November 30, 2020

Thanksgiving Wrap-Up

 Argh, I got off track again over Thanksgiving weekend and didn't get my other days of thanks noted here. So, I will finish up these last days of November now.

Day 26- I'm thankful for family who delight in making holidays and birthdays special for ME. As the mom, I spend most of my time making these occasions special for my family, and to have my family want to return the blessing is sweet.

Day 27- I'm thankful for the changing seasons. There is always something new to be found whether winter, spring, summer, or fall.

Day 28- I'm thankful for cozy evenings with my family, watching Christmas movies and enjoying each other's company.

Day 29- I'm thankful for our homeschool band, and the wonderful community it provides for my daughters.

Day 30- I'm thankful for the season of Advent, and the hope it promises.